ASTM A633/A633M Grade E Carbon and Low-alloy High-strength Steel Coil

ASTM A633/A633M Grade E Carbon and Low-alloy High-strength Steel Coil

ASTM A633/A633M Grade E Carbon and Low-alloy High-strength Steel Coil: Properties & Equivalents

In-depth technical data for ASTM A633/A633M Grade E normalized high-strength low-alloy steel coil, covering chemical composition, mechanical and physical properties, international equivalents, and application guidance.

Welding, Bending, Forming, Machining, Drilling, Cutting

ASTM A633/A633M Grade E Carbon and Low-alloy High-strength Steel Coil Introduction

ASTM A633/A633M Grade E is a normalized, low-carbon, high-strength structural steel microalloyed with vanadium and/or columbium (niobium). It delivers a minimum yield strength of 60 ksi (415 MPa) for thicknesses up to 4 inches and excellent notch toughness for low-temperature service. The normalized condition ensures uniform fine-grain microstructure, good weldability, and resistance to brittle fracture. Main features include high strength-to-weight ratio, reliable ductility, and suitability for dynamically loaded welded structures. Optional copper addition can improve atmospheric corrosion resistance. Typical delivery is in coil or plate form, ideal for bridges, heavy machinery, offshore platforms, and structural frameworks.

ASTM A633/A633M Grade E Carbon and Low-alloy High-strength Steel Coil Chemical Composition

The composition conforms to ASTM A633/A633M. Microalloying with vanadium and/or columbium refines grain size and strengthens the steel. Strict phosphorus and sulfur limits promote ductility and weldability. Copper may be added for enhanced atmospheric corrosion resistance when specified.

ElementStandard Value (max unless range)Remarks
Carbon (C)0.22%Maximum
Manganese (Mn)1.15 - 1.50%Range
Phosphorus (P)0.035%Maximum
Sulfur (S)0.040%Maximum
Silicon (Si)0.15 - 0.30%Range
Copper (Cu)0.20% (when specified)Maximum, optional
Vanadium (V)0.02 - 0.15%Range
Columbium (Nb)0.005 - 0.05%Range, optional
Nitrogen (N)0.015%Maximum, unless Al killed

ASTM A633/A633M Grade E Carbon and Low-alloy High-strength Steel Coil Thermal and Electrical Physical Properties

Typical physical properties for normalized low-alloy structural steel. These are engineering reference values and not mandatory by ASTM A633/A633M. Actual values may differ slightly based on exact composition and processing.

PropertyTypical ValueUnitCondition/Temperature
Density (ρ)7.85g/cm³ (or 7850 kg/m³)Room temperature
Elastic Modulus (E)210GPaRoom temperature
Shear Modulus (G)80GPaRoom temperature
Poisson's Ratio (ν)0.3Room temperature
Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α)12.0 × 10⁻⁶1/°C20–100 °C
Thermal Conductivity (λ)45W/(m·K)At 20 °C
Specific Heat Capacity500J/(kg·K)Room temperature
Electrical Resistivity (ρ_e)0.2μΩ·mAt 20 °C

ASTM A633/A633M Grade E Carbon and Low-alloy High-strength Steel Coil Mechanical Properties

Properties vary with product thickness. The standard defines minimum yield and tensile strengths and elongation for two thickness ranges. Impact testing (Charpy V-notch) is a supplementary requirement (S2) and must be specified by the purchaser if needed. All values apply to the normalized condition.

PropertyRequired ValueUnitTest Condition (Thickness)
Yield Strength (ReH)≥ 60 ksi (415 MPa)MPa or ksi≤ 4 in. (100 mm)
Yield Strength (ReH)≥ 55 ksi (380 MPa)MPa or ksi> 4 in. to 6 in. (100-150 mm)
Tensile Strength (Rm)80 - 100 ksi (550 - 690 MPa)MPa or ksi≤ 4 in. (100 mm)
Tensile Strength (Rm)75 - 95 ksi (515 - 655 MPa)MPa or ksi> 4 in. to 6 in. (100-150 mm)
Elongation (A) in 2 in. (50 mm)≥ 18%%≤ 4 in. (100 mm)
Elongation (A) in 2 in. (50 mm)≥ 16%%> 4 in. to 6 in. (100-150 mm)
Charpy V-notch Impact (KV)As ordered (e.g., 15 ft·lb at -50 °F)ft·lb or JSupplementary S2

ASTM A633/A633M Grade E Carbon and Low-alloy High-strength Steel Coil Equivalent Standards and Substitute Grades

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemarks
EuropeEN 10025-3S420N (1.8902)Closest normalized equivalent; min yield 420 MPa for t≤16 mm, similar microalloyed fine-grain steel
InternationalISO 630-3FeE420 (E420)Normalized structural steel with comparable strength
JapanJIS G 3106SM490B (normalized)Not a direct match; lower yield strength (325 MPa) but suited for similar applications
ChinaGB/T 1591Q420NNormalized high-strength low-alloy, yield ≥420 MPa for t≤16 mm

ASTM A633/A633M Grade E Carbon and Low-alloy High-strength Steel Coil Application Introduction

ASTM A633 Grade E is extensively used in welded structural applications demanding high strength and low-temperature toughness. Its normalized state guarantees reliable performance in thick sections. Major fields and components include:

Product Applications: Structural beams and columns, Welded plate girders, Bridges (pedestrian, highway, railway), Offshore platform decks and jackets, Heavy-duty truck chassis, Railway wagons and bogie frames, Crane booms and lifting gear

Processed into products: Flanges and web plates for welded I-beams, Base plates and stiffeners, End plates and connection plates, Bracket and support assemblies, Fatigue-critical welded joints, Impact-resistant structural parts, Gussets and diaphragm plates

Application industries: Construction & Infrastructure, Bridge Engineering, Offshore Oil & Gas, Heavy Machinery Manufacturing, Railway Industry, Pressure Vessel & Storage Tank, Mining & Earthmoving Equipment

ASTM A633/A633M Grade E Carbon and Low-alloy High-strength Steel Coil Similar and Alternative Materials

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemarks
USAASTM A572/A572MGrade 65Higher yield 65 ksi (450 MPa), not normalized; less low-temperature toughness, similar structural use
USAASTM A588/A588MGrade AWeathering steel, similar mechanical properties, not normalized, improved atmospheric resistance
EuropeEN 10025-3S355NL (1.0546)Lower yield 355 MPa, normalized, excellent toughness; suitable substitute when strength demand is lower
EuropeEN 10025-6S460QL (1.8906)Quenched and tempered, higher strength 460 MPa, different delivery condition but similar hardness/strength class

Notes:

  • Typical delivery condition is normalized; post-weld heat treatment may be applied for stress relief.
  • For thicknesses over 6 inches (150 mm), mechanical properties are not covered in the standard; consult the producer.
  • Charpy impact testing (supplementary S2) is strongly recommended for service below -20 °F and must be clearly specified at order.
  • Copper addition (when ordered) improves atmospheric corrosion resistance but does not replace full painting systems.
  • Welding procedures should follow AWS D1.1 or equivalent, using low-hydrogen electrodes/processes to avoid hydrogen-induced cracking.
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